Hi Peter Fanelli. Yes, it could have been a Caribou, but it wasn't. 38 Squadron have a standing invitation to use Old Bar for short field training anytime they are in our area and have in fact been in for the past two Old Bar Festival events, held each October long weekend. Unlike the goose who used Old Bar yesterday the RAAF seek approval on each occasion they use the airstrip. C130 no, although you may not realise it a C130 made 29 stop and go landings on the USS Forrestal during the sixties.
The aircraft which damaged the airstrip yesterday was believed to be a Piper Archer or Arrow, white with a dark tail flash. Unfortunately the aircraft registration was not able to be identified. Apart from the damage to the airstrip the pilot was fortunate to neither bog or fail to get airborne, both a distinct possibility given the state of the runway.
Hi Sprocket Check, you can always get approval and advice about the airstrip from me. Mobile 0427 712294. The airstrip is very tolerant to wet weather, however 390 odd mm in less than two weeks has been just a bit much. Obviously the pilot using the airstrip yesterday did not seek approval and did not observe the large white cross in place. We welcome visitors to Old Bar, as apart from anything else it justifies our efforts to keep the airfield from destruction and to maintain it in pristine condition at considerable personal financial cost. Incidentally, not all of the seven person volunteer committee are pilots. Those of us who are believe Old Bar is well deserving of the Heritage Listing in place. Happy landings
Old Fella.
